What a great story! I have never read Tara Thomas before but I will be looking for her other books. Broken Promise is the story of Kipling Benedict and Alyssa Adams. They meet in a previous book but that is an unimportant detail as this is a stand-alone novel. Alyssa is a Charlotte Police detective and Kipling is the head of the family industry. This book starts at the wedding of one of the Benedict brothers. While both of them feel a mutual attraction, Alyssa is not interested in a relationship. Her life has been focused on finding the person who murdered her sister when Alyssa was a child. But as the plot takes shape, Kipling's half-sister is kidnapped and the 2 main characters team up to find the person behind it. There are many details that begin to come to light and they get closer to both the murderer and the kidnapper. Without giving away any of the plot, this story is full of twists and is well written. The author ties up the loose ends nicely before bringing the novel to its conclusion. A definite 5-star read!

This is the third in the Sons of Broad Series by Tara Thomas. I received this book from Netgalley and after I started it, I knew I had to start from the beginning. I hunted down the first two and finished them before diving back into Broken Promise. I did not read any of the prequel novellas which may have been helpful for some more backstory. Each of the books in the series focuses on one of the Benedict brothers. In the last book we are introduced to Kipling. I had a feeling the older mature and seemingly playboy brother was more deep than he let's on.
The romance begins between him and Alyssa, the police officer from the previous books. The romance isn't a surprise, there's a lot of playful banter and sexual innuendos from Kipling in the other books but the feelings behind them aren't introduced until this final installment. A lot of questions are answered in this one. We found out the who and why of the Gentleman which fills in a lot of blanks. I wonder if there's a novella from the POV of the Benedict's mom? That would be an interesting read.

I would definitely read the series in order, otherwise the finale built up in the first two is spoiled in book three. I liked Alyssa. She was a strong heroine but not perfect, you saw the flaws too. I do wonder, whatever happened to her partner from the first book? She originally has a partner, then he just stops coming and no more mention of him. Generally if a department runs two deep, they don't just stop. I also felt her decision to leave the department felt pretty rash. I definitely saw her leaving, but there wasn't much in the way of her decision, just that she made it.
I will say each of these girls seem to come from a home with a rough father.

SPOILER ALERT!!! SPOILER ALERT!!!


The loose ends from the other books all seem to tie up at the end. Some questions I had with the ending is Kipling's injury. We aren't ever really told what happens with him, he seems alright, like he's faking but then ends up in a coma and needing physical therapy? For what?! Also, Jade seems to have no problem being shot since it's no longer mentioned again. The part with Tilly's dad is a bit confusing. It's talked about that he's a hindrance to the Gentleman, but then that's it. So did he plant the evidence? It wasn't very clear. And the decision he made for the Benedict parents was surprising, considering his motive behind it all.

In the end it was a good book, a good series and I am definitely interested in reading more from this author, and perhaps I'll check out the novellas as well.

Thanks for the opportunity!

Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Avid Reader – ☆☆☆☆☆
4.5 stars
M/F Thriller, Romance
Triggers: Kidnapping, Murder, Torture

This is the third book in the series and I would suggest that you read the previous books in the series or else you might feel lost. There is a lot that happens in them and you might not understand the whole plot without having read them.

Kipling was not my favorite character in the previous books. He seemed hard and without sympathy a lot of the time. I really wanted to see if he evolved in this book. Then you have Alyssa. She was a kick butt, take-no-prisoners police officer – she even put Kipling and his family under the microscope a few times. She has her own dark past and doesn't trust easily.

These two characters have been quasi-dancing around each other with a ton of tension for a few books. When it looks like Kipling is going to need Alyssa's help, both have to learn that sometimes, trusting someone is the only way forward.

Alyssa has a past that has driven her to become a police officer. She also has a family life that is less than ideal. When those two reasons collide, sparks will not only fly, alliances will change, and her childhood will make so much more sense!

Kipling is struggling with the revelation from the previous book. When someone he cares about is in danger, he will enlist Alyssa to help him figure out why this has been happening and who is behind it.

There is a lot that happens in this story – it's fast paced, but the love story is more back burner, which I appreciated. With the mystery so complex, it is a great guessing game until the end.

I ended up really liking this story and even though Kipling still isn't my favorite character, he definitely grew on me. I hope there are more stories to come!

This is the final installment of the Sons of Broad series and in my opinion probably the best of the series. All of the books featured their own couple as the main characters and each couple faced danger in that book. While we knew that the danger was being inflicted by the "Gentleman," it isn't until this book that his identity and motive are revealed. Plus we finally see Alyssa and Kipling act on their mutual attraction that was evident in all of the other books. While I did like this book the most in the series, I think the books are best read as a series and in order to get the most out of the story line.

I did not know this was the last in a series but it was still a very good book. A thriller with a bit of romance. It is a good book with great characters. I loved it from start to finish. I want to get the first two and read them now. Might clear up a couple of things for me.
This book keeps you wanting more and turning pages into the night.

#Net Galley, #St Martin’s Press

Broken Promise by Tara Thomas, book three in the Sons of Broad series. A great addition to the series. The final book in the series. A romantic suspense. Each book dealt with the storyline of a different brother. I enjoyed the storyline, dialogue and characters. The author knows how to write a great story I look forward to reading more of her books.

Tara Thomas wraps up her Sons of Broad series with a bang in BROKEN PROMISE. This is a busy book with all characters from the series in motion. In this final installment, Thomas focuses on the intersection of Kipling, oldest of the Benedict brothers, and Jade, illegitimate daughter and assassin … both of whom are in the cross hairs of the mysterious psychopath known as The Gentleman.

Charleston may be a big city, but it turns out to be a very small place. Officer Alyssa Adams is no stranger to the Benedict family, having arrested Kipling not too long ago for evidence that pointed toward his role in the murder of a stripper. This time around, however, they’re both at his brother Knox’s wedding-renewal ceremony, and Kipling’s not on her radar for anything other than their undeniable mutual attraction. But lightheartedness is not in the cards for the Benedict clan, and the long con is swiftly back in play with a phone call.

Here begins the intersection. The Benedict paterfamilias, Franklin, was a selfish bastard who predisposed the lives of everyone around him. The Gentleman was a college roommate and friend who always considered Franklin’s wife the love of his life; the sons reaped the reward of the staggering wealth, but at great cost to their happiness; the women they love were pawns in The Gentleman’s revenge; and Jade is the illegitimate daughter whom he denied and who was put under guardianship of The Gentleman after her mother was killed (by, you guessed it, The Gentleman). Emily Post would not appreciate his moniker, that’s for sure.

Yet with decades of adversity, each of the brothers found their way to love and hope for the future. Even Jade, who suffered the most acutely at the hands of The Gentleman, chose life and love over an easy way out.

You just never can tell what goes on behind closed doors. This Sons of Broad series is a very sexy rendition of classic Southern Gothic literature, with deeply flawed characters, eccentric villains and lusty lowcountry culture. I’m looking forward to seeing what’s next on Thomas’ drawing board.

*Originally published with USA Today's Happy Ever After: https://happyeverafter.usatoday.com/2018/06/28/dolly-r-sickles-romantic-suspense-rec-broken-promise-tara-thomas/.

This was a really good, satisfying ending to this Trilogy. This is Kipling's story and you really do need to read the first 2 books to have any clue what is going on in this one. Also those books are well worth reading. We finally find out who The Gentleman is and why he is doing this to the family. Kipling and Alyssa pair up to finally take down The Gentleman and of course fall in love. I was happy with the ending. If Tara ever decides to do a book on Jade I hope it's years in the future as the poor girl needs a lot of help first.



*I received a free copy of this book via NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving a review.*

Broken Promise by Tara Thomas is the third book in her Sons of Broad Series. The previous books are Darkest Night and Deadly Secret. I recommend to read the books in order.

Meet Kipling Benedict. He´s envious of his younger brothers Knox and Keaton whom already found their HEA. He wants the picket fence life.
Alyssa Adams is a Officer with the Charleston PD and it seems she doesn´t like him. He has a major crush on her and wants her.
But there´s a stalker on the lose, a killer who wants to get rid of Alyssa and Kipling is the victim in all this craziness.
Broken Promise is a beautiful story with great characters and I connected easily with them.

Full of I did not see that coming moments and I love it! We finally found out who the Gentleman was..and I applaud the way it played out, who it was and everyone’s reactions because I was flummoxed in all the books on that identity...well played TT...well played! Alyssa and Kipling are probably my favorite Benedict couple and I think it is because we saw the build up of them over the series. Their chemistry is off the charts, their snark is uplifting, but what I enjoyed the most was their ability to relate to each other and to me, the reader.

I think Jade may be my MVP of the series because I just was blown away by her storyline and her character development. While it was somewhat clear who she was by the end of the first book/beginning of the second, the way the clues were provided and the actions taken were quite intriguing and kept me questioning different acts, people and motive.

I read the ebook so I don’t know what the exclusive bonus is in the print edition, but I wish I did haha! I loved this world and would like to learn more about how it was dismantled or was it? How involved were the police? I have more questions that I would like to learn about, but this is a spoiler free review, so I will just say I highly recommend this book for those who like suspense, drama, intrigue all wrapped up in a romance!

Thank you NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for the chance to read this book and share my opinions!

My favorite of this series so far - this one had the most realistic plot. It was interesting, and high-stakes, and I had been waiting for Alyssa and Kipling to get together since they first started trhowing sparks off of each other in the first book.

Broken Promise by Tara Thomas is Sons of Broad #3. This story picks up where the past two books left off and they really should be read first. Knowing that it is no surprise that this is Kipling Benedict and Officer Alyssa Adams story. This has been a long time coming with hints throughout the previous books. The witty banter and battles between Alyssa and Kipling continue but more has developed between them. We get more of Alyssa's story as we continue to find out about the Benedicts, Jade, and The Gentleman.

I liked that Broken Promise had a nice balance. We got the relationship building between Kipling and Alyssa, and we got the continued story arc into all the unanswered questions that have haunted throughout. Alyssa remains her tough self, even as we peel back her layers and reveal emotions and complications. Ms. Thomas does not disappoint in this conclusion and this book was not rushed and even though there were answers that we have been made to wait for since book one, this was the right book for the reveals.

Overall I very much enjoyed Broken Promise by Tara Thomas and felt the book brought things full circle in a satisfying way. The Sons of Broad series has been fun, with twists and turns, great characters and amazing romances.

(I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book I received for free from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for my open and honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.)

A huge thank you to St Martins Press for sending me a copy of the book in exchange for my review.

This is book three of the Sons of Broad Series. This story takes place in Charleston, South Carolina. Officer Alyssa had lost her sister multiple years ago and has sworn to join the force to bring justice to women. Jade, a recent acquaintance of the Benedict brothers and Alyssa, has been kidnapped. Come to find out, Jade is a long lost half-sibling of Kipling (the Benedict brother gaining close relations with Alyssa). Alyssa agrees to help find Jade, and along the way, starts to piece together the mystery of her sisters death. There are pretty crazy coincidences that come about that leave your jaw on the floor multiple times.

Okay, I have a confession to make. I just discovered Tara through seeing this book so I have not read her previous books. Having said that, I was completely nervous going into this book not having known any true backstory. Thank you Tara for writing with such detail so I could jump right in and follow along! Yeah, there were a few things that, as I was reading, I wish I had known more about, but even that was few and far between. She did a wonderful job recapping past events that are important to the current storyline. On the other hand, Alyssa started off as not one of my favorite characters. She openly shared deep dark emotions to a guy she portrays to be annoyed by. Whyyyyy would you do thatttttt, Alyssa!

I loved the steamy romance aspect to the mystery and crime; it’s not something you see done too often and I highly enjoyed it. It gave me a nice break from my typical thriller suspense adrenaline rush. Regardless, this story is very suspenseful in itself and kept me on the edge of my seat as each chapter progressed. All the clues to the disappearance of Jade came from previous mysteries from the other books which wrapped up the story quite nicely. As the story went on, the relationship between Kipling and Alyssa just went together so perfectly, I almost forgave Alyssa for making those stupid mistakes in the beginning. Yeah, some parts were a bit too cheesy for my liking, but it kept me entertained. I really enjoyed reading this and can’t wait to go back and read her other books (sorry for working backwards haha!)

4/5 Stars

Lots of twists and turns keep this book a page turner, if you have been following this series, some questions are finally answered. This will definitely keep you on the edge of your seat

I received a copy from Netgalley and I am voluntarily leaving my own honest opinion

Broken Promise was a thrilling and action-packed conclusion to the Sons of Broad series and I really enjoyed it!

Officer Alyssa Adams made a vow to protect the women of Charleston and that she would one day find out what happened to her older sister ten years ago. After more and more of her cases become entangled with the Benedicts, Alyssa knows she should stay away from Kipling, the eldest Benedict son. But when Kipling’s long-lost sibling is kidnapped, the two must work together to find the culprit before it’s too late.

As the eldest Benedict son, Kipling has always felt an immense duty to take care of his brothers. Family means everything to Kipling and he values family above all else. Due to a past relationship gone bad, Kipling has no intention of being in a relationship and never dates the same woman twice. After losing her older sister in a violent crime, Alyssa joined the police force in the hopes of protecting other women and one day finding her sister’s killer. Alyssa is fantastic at her job but has a tendency to second guess herself after discovering an old boyfriend was a murderer. Kipling and Alyssa work well together despite Kipling’s tendency to be overprotective which Alyssa calls him out for. The two have great chemistry and I really enjoyed the physical scenes between them.

In Broken Promise we finally learn the identity of The Gentleman, the villain who has been working behind the scenes since the beginning to take down the Benedicts. Before the reveal I had a few theories as to who he was and why he was going after the Benedicts and every theory ended up being wrong. The author did an amazing job in regards to The Gentleman and I found his motives quite compelling once we learned them. I definitely found the suspense elements of these books to be the best part as they were very well done.

Ultimately Broken Promise ended up being my favorite book in the Sons of Broad series which overall was a great series. I’d recommend these books for fans of romantic suspense with a heavier suspense aspect.

What an epic conclusion to a great series! It was hard to put my Kindle down and get work done while I was reading this book. I am pretty sure I devoured this one in less than two days, which for me, is pretty darn good! Overall, this series was really great, and the conclusion will not let you down.

Alyssa is keeping secrets from people. Secrets that could have deadly consequences. I found it interesting how easy it was for her to open up to Kipling when she couldn't to her ex. It just goes to show it's not the length of time that makes you trust a person.

Kipling is trying to keep his family safe, but has to quickly unmask who the Gentleman is. I liked the fact that, even after multiple books, I STILL was wrong about who was behind the proverbial mask! Tara did a great job hiding the identity until the crucial moment.

I liked how strong and independent Alyssa could be. This isn't your typical, boy meets girl, boy crooks finger, girl comes running type of story. There was a lot of heart, some mixed emotions, and some definite sizzling chemistry. Both main characters were strong and likable, and I loved how the two needed to work together to not only solve the mystery, but to keep each other safe. They both had to show their vulnerable sides at times, and it was amazing to read.

I liked that we were able to have a little bit of time with characters from previous books in Broken Promise. It feels like catching up with old friends!

Overall, I really loved this book, and I cannot wait to see what Tara has in store for us in the future!

The thrilling new Sons of Broad novel, Broken Promise kept me glued to the pages with lots of suspense and surprises.

The third book rings the Charleston Police Office Alyssa Adams and the Oldest Benedict Brother together in an explosive mix of sizzling chemistry and non-stop danger as the enemy dodges their heels every step of the way during this relationship. Alyssa and Kipling are strong characters that easily pull readers into their story which up till now has been flirting around the edges of the first two novels, teasing readers with the burning attraction between them, though they don’t seem to get along all that well. Now, though they will have to work together to save not only their lives but another’s as well, so the relationship is full of emotional turbulence as well as red hot passion and lots of tension.

This fast paced story never has a dull moment as it is chock full of adrenaline pumping action, thrilling suspense and twists that no one sees coming, ones that pull everyone involved in this mad man’s plot together in very unexpected ways and involving loss, treachery, betrayal, broken promises and unexpected family connections.

So, to sum it up, I was completely caught up in this story from the very beginning, especially as Kipling caught my interest in the beginning and I was really awaiting his story. This story brings about the conclusion and the answers that has plagued the brothers throughout this series is very fitting and because it is full of intricate plotting, there is always unseen events lurking around the corner, so there was never a dull moment to be found throughout the entire series. Yes, I am calling it a series instead of a trilogy because I am including the three part prequel in my overall view.

The final book in the series is finally here and I couldn't be more happy about it. Finally, we get to see who the gentleman is and why he is killing people and is after the Benedict family. His mind is sick and I am surprised no one found out what a monster we truly was before his identity was revealed in this book. He went cuckoo a long time ago, but you will see more of that when he reveals everything in this book.

For most of this book, I was worried about Jade and her fate. I ended up liking her over the time and I didn't want her to be dead. I won't say what happens to her in the end and I will let you find out yourselves. I liked how the author connected her to some of the mysteries we need to solve. I know that she is a killer, but she was suffering under the thumb of a serial killer and she was raised to be the person we met for the first time. She realized that she was poisoned by the lies of the gentleman and tried to help in her own way.

For me, the author did a good job at tying most of the loose ends and wrapping the story in a beautiful bow. We solved a few mysteries such as the identity of the villain and the reasons why he started acting like the sick man he was and we got a sweet epilogue that ended the series on a happy note. Alyssa and Kipling might not have the best romance out of the four couples, but they worked together very well and I wanted them to end up together. It wasn't as strong as the other two novels, but it was mostly good stuff so I am recommending it.

This is a romantic suspense. It is the third book in the Sons of Broad series. I fell this series would be best read in order. It continues where the last book left off and is a great suspense, with twist and turns all around. I did not expect the ending and loved it. The pace is wonderful and the characters are well developed.

This book is full of suspense and action, while stopping your heart, just as you catch your breath. The best (and creepiest) parts, are the POV of the villian. Definitely not a book to read before you go to bed, but intriguing while keeping you on your toes. I wasn't a fan of the first book, as I had a hard time getting into it and I NEED closure, but the series is definitely worth hanging in there for!